Jackie Chan had clearly considered that too. He rubbed his chin, his gaze moving between the girl, the Stone Coffin, and the exit passage before he made up his mind.
"Here's what we'll do." Jackie Chan quickly sorted through his backpack, leaving behind some unnecessary tools to make room.
"We can't leave her here. But fighting those centipedes head-on would be foolish."
"My plan is to take her with us and get out of the Ruins as fast as we can."
"On my way in, I hid a decent off-road vehicle outside another concealed exit, not too far from here."
"If we move fast enough to reach the vehicle, the centipedes shouldn't be able to keep up with us across the open desert."
He looked at Boruto and Shikadai. "But we'll need to move fast and work together."
"Boruto, you carry her. Try not to jostle her too much. Her condition is unusual, so we'd better be careful."
"I'll take the lead and cover the rear when needed. I'll handle any traps that spring up."
"Once we're in the vehicle, we'll head straight for Sunagakure. The Medical Team and a safer environment there will let us examine her condition properly."
Boruto and Shikadai exchanged a look. Each saw the same resolve in the other's eyes.
"Got it!" Boruto nodded firmly, his eyes sharpening. "Let's do it!"
Shikadai took a deep breath. "Yeah. The plan should work. When do we start?"
Jackie Chan checked his gear one last time and adjusted the lamp so he could carry it by hand. His gaze settled firmly on the door that led to danger and freedom.
"Right now! Let's go!"
The heavy stone door of the Stone Chamber boomed shut behind them, and the entire Ruins seemed to be jolted awake.
Boruto carried the